Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s something so comforting about old-fashioned recipes passed down through generations. Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are one of those timeless treats that have stood the test of time—and for good reason. These cookies are rich, nutty, and so soft they practically melt in your mouth. They bring a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times and homemade goodness. And, of course, when it’s a recipe passed down from the grandmother of a former president, you know it’s something special!

If you’ve never tried a peanut butter cookie like this before, trust me—you’re in for a treat. The combination of peanut butter, sugar, and just the right touch of vanilla makes these cookies downright irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just to indulge in some homemade sweetness, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies aren’t just any peanut butter cookies. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Simple, But Perfect: The ingredients list is minimal, but the flavors are anything but. Each bite is packed with the perfect balance of peanut butter and sweetness that’ll have you reaching for another cookie. They’re not too soft and not too crunchy—just pure, peanut butter cookie perfection.

Made with Love: This recipe is a family heirloom, passed down through generations. There’s something special about baking a recipe that’s been loved for decades, and you can feel that warmth in every bite.

Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or packing them as a treat for school lunches, these cookies are always a hit. They’re a great snack, dessert, or just a little something to brighten your day.

Quick & Easy: The beauty of these cookies is that they don’t require a lot of time or complicated steps. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of cookies that tastes like they’ve been baking for hours. Perfect for when you’re craving something homemade but don’t have all day to bake.

Kid-Approved: Peanut butter cookies are always a hit with kids, and these ones are no exception. They’re soft, sweet, and just the right amount of peanut buttery goodness. Bonus points if you let your little ones help with the fork crisscross pattern on top!

Ingredients

Flour: The base for any good cookie dough, flour brings structure and texture to the cookies.

Peanut Butter: This is the star ingredient! The peanut butter gives the cookies that signature flavor and soft texture. Creamy peanut butter works best, but you can use crunchy if you prefer some texture.

Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way. Sugar helps to balance the richness of the peanut butter and gives the cookies that nice, slightly crisp edge.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that makes these cookies extra chewy.

Butter: Rich, unsalted butter makes the cookies soft and tender while adding to their overall flavor.

Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise and gives them the perfect texture. It’s essential for that soft, chewy bite.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the other flavors and makes the cookies extra fragrant.

Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the cookies that perfect chewy texture.

Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the peanut butter.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies is as easy as can be. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step, or simply mix by hand with a spatula if you’re feeling old-school.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Egg
Add the white sugar, brown sugar, and egg to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t overmix—just stir until everything is combined.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie and create the classic crisscross pattern. Press down lightly, just enough to make the lines, but don’t flatten the cookies too much.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t overbake them!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cooled, grab a glass of milk and enjoy these peanut butter perfection bites!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Classic with Milk: You can never go wrong with a cold glass of milk. Dip these cookies in milk for the ultimate classic snack.

As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a peanut butter ice cream sandwich or as part of a dessert spread.

Gift Idea: These cookies make an excellent homemade gift. Package them in a cute tin or jar for a thoughtful and delicious present.

With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a quick, satisfying treat.

Additional Tips

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Make Them Extra Nutty: Add a handful of chopped peanuts or even chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist!

Customize with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to change up the flavor profile.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A1: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give the cookies a bit more texture, so feel free to use it if you like that extra crunch.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A2: Yes, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute to make these cookies egg-free. They will still taste great!

Q3: How long can I store these cookies?
A3: These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake the cookies in batches if needed. You’ll have even more peanut buttery goodness to enjoy!

Q6: Can I use a different type of nut butter?
A6: Yes, you can experiment with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Q7: What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
A7: If you’re concerned about your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better.

Q8: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A8: Unfortunately, these cookies are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped chocolate is a delicious twist. About ½ cup should do the trick!

Q10: Can I make these cookies bigger or smaller?
A10: Yes! If you prefer larger or smaller cookies, simply adjust the size of the dough balls. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger cookies may need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

These Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies are the epitome of comfort food. They’re simple, nostalgic, and downright delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these soft, chewy cookies that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to a friend, or enjoying them with a cold glass of milk, these cookies are a classic for a reason. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—you won’t regret it! Enjoy!

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